Astro Bot is back, and this time, it’s more than just a tech demo—Sony’s iconic little robot is getting a full-fledged platforming adventure. As someone who has followed Astro’s journey from the PlayStation VR showcase to the beloved Astro’s Playroom, I was eager to see what this new game would bring. After spending time with it, I can confidently say that Astro Bot is shaping up to be one of the most charming and innovative platformers in years. The first thing that stands out is just how joyful the game feels. From the moment you took control of Astro, the game bursts with color, creativity, and personality. Every level feels handcrafted with love, filled with playful details and clever nods to PlayStation’s history. If you played Astro’s Playroom, you’ll remember the incredible way it celebrated the legacy of PlayStation hardware—this game takes that concept and expands it into a full-blown adventure.
The gameplay is as tight and responsive as ever. The DualSense controller is once again a star here, with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers adding subtle yet impactful layers to the experience. Whether it’s the sensation of Astro running across different surfaces or the resistance in the triggers when activating certain abilities, the controller’s unique features are used in a way that feels natural rather than gimmicky.
One of the biggest upgrades in this game is the variety of Astro’s new abilities. In previous games, Astro had a few cool tools, but now, the gameplay feels even more dynamic, with new power-ups and transformations that change how you approach each level. Whether it’s rocket boosters, grappling hooks, or suit upgrades, every ability adds something fresh, keeping the gameplay exciting and unpredictable. These mechanics are seamlessly integrated into the level design, making every world feel like a new playground of ideas rather than just another set of platforming challenges.
Speaking of worlds, the level design is stunning. Each stage is a vibrant, imaginative world packed with hidden secrets, fun enemy encounters, and environmental interactions. The developers clearly took inspiration from classic platformers like Super Mario Galaxy, but Astro Bot brings its own distinct charm to the genre. The game constantly throws new mechanics, surprises, and creative set pieces at the player, ensuring that it never feels repetitive. One of the most exciting aspects of Astro Bot is how it celebrates PlayStation’s legacy in ways both subtle and direct. While Astro’s Playroom focused on PlayStation hardware, this game seems to be more focused on PlayStation’s gaming history as a whole. Expect to see cameos, Easter eggs, and references to iconic PlayStation franchises, woven naturally into the world. For longtime PlayStation fans, this adds an extra layer of enjoyment—discovering these little nods feels like unlocking pieces of gaming nostalgia.
The visuals and sound design are also worth mentioning. The game runs at a silky smooth frame rate, making the platforming feel incredibly responsive. The art direction is bright, polished, and full of life, with every animation bursting with personality. Astro himself is one of the most expressive platforming characters in gaming, and it’s hard not to smile at his little movements and reactions. The soundtrack is equally delightful, featuring catchy tunes that evolve as you progress, making each world feel distinct and memorable.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Astro Bot is whether it can stand alongside Sony’s biggest first-party titles. Traditionally, PlayStation has been known for its cinematic action games, like God of War and The Last of Us, but Astro represents a different side of PlayStation’s identity—one that embraces fun, creativity, and accessibility. With this new entry, it’s clear that Sony is positioning Astro as its flagship platforming mascot, and honestly, it’s a perfect fit. This game has the potential to do for Astro what Super Mario 64 did for Mario—solidify him as a defining character of the PlayStation brand. If there’s one thing to be concerned about, it’s whether the game can keep up its momentum throughout a full-length adventure. Astro’s previous outings have been smaller-scale experiences, and while this game is expanding the formula significantly, the challenge will be ensuring that it remains engaging from start to finish. Based on what I’ve played so far, though, it seems like the developers have a clear vision, and every level I’ve seen has been packed with fresh ideas.
Ultimately, Astro Bot is shaping up to be one of the most exciting platformers in years. It’s not just a great PlayStation game—it’s a love letter to gaming itself, filled with creativity, charm, and pure fun. Whether you’re a longtime PlayStation fan or just someone looking for a joyful, well-crafted platforming experience, this game is absolutely worth paying attention to.
